Minnesota Adopts Opioid Prescription Guidelines

Minnesota clinicians should reduce the dosage and duration of opioids prescribed in Minnesota and consider not prescribing them at all for longer-term chronic pain, according to guidelines issued by Gov. Mark Dayton (D).

The governor April 26 introduced the guidelines, which provide a framework for the appropriate use of opioids for pain management and aim to reduce inappropriate opioid use, limit the oversupply of prescription opioids, and reduce variation in opioid prescribing practices among clinicians. The guidelines were developed by the state’s Opioid Prescribing Work Group, convened by the governor, and are not for use when treating hospice or ...